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Roundup time!
Today's collection of all the speculation going around features some of the biggest names in the business who have been away from the ring for a very long time. We're talking about The Rock and CM Punk.
So will the Great One return at SmackDown's debut show on the FOX network? We've got an exciting update on that.
Regarding CM Punk, a big announcement is scheduled to take place on Wednesday and we could be in for one of the biggest surprises in a while.
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An absent WWE Superstar also revealed why she has been away from the ring in a very emotional post.
One of the most decorated tag teams of this generation will be returning to TV this Friday. A much-needed announcement was also made on the future of 205 Live.
On that note, let's take a look at the biggest rumors of the day:
#1. CM Punk and updates on him possibly getting a role on WWE Backstage
Here we go again! As we had reported a few days ago via PWInsider, CM Punk was at FOX Studios auditioning for an undisclosed role on FOX's new show on FS1, WWE Backstage.
Reports suggest that Punk's tryout with FOX went well and an official offer could have also been made to the former WWE Superstar to join the WWE Backstage show, which will be hosted by Renee Young and Booker T on Tuesdays.
However, it should be noted that even if Punk manages to get the job - which could potentially be that of an analyst - the former WWE Champion will not be employed by WWE and will be under FOX's payroll.
Thus, it wouldn't count as a WWE return. Punk has been firm on his stand about not returning to in-ring action, but such involvement with WWE is the best we can get.
Booker T was also recently at the FOX studios and the WWE Hall of Famer was asked whether Punk was present for a screen test for the WWE Backstage show. Here's what Booker had to say:
"I didn’t see him at FOX [studios in Los Angeles] or anything like that. I don’t know anything about it. I don’t know anything about it. Look, I don’t know anything about it. That’s what I said, isn’t it? I don’t know anything about it. But yeah, that’s another story."
It has also been revealed by Kristian Harloff that Punk will be appearing on the Collider Live and we may possibly get an update on his future during the show.
#2. Naomi reveals the reason for her absence
Naomi last wrestled on the Main Event taping at the end of July in a winning effort against Sarah Logan. The former SmackDown Women's Champion took to Twitter to disclose the reasons behind her hiatus.
The death of a loved one coupled with health issues forced Naomi to stay away from the ring.
She wrote:
"I've faced some trying times the past few months...losing a loved one so dear to me (rocked me to my core) & handling my own health issues I wasn't aware of forced me to slow down & reevaluate...I want my loving fans to know that I'm ok and will be back when the time is right."
We still don't know the exact date of Naomi's return, however, with major changes taking place in the WWE along with the Draft which is just around the corner, we're sure the company will need her services sooner rather than later.
#3. The Usos returning to SmackDown on Friday
As reported by WrestlingInc, The Usos will make their TV return on the SmackDown episode this Friday.
The 6-time Tag Team Champions have been out of action since the RAW episode on July 29th when they were involved in a Tag Team match.
Jimmy Uso's DUI arrest on July 25th was the reason behind WWE taking the talented tag team off TV. They were unable to compete at SummerSlam in Toronto earlier this year due to Jimmy's arrest in Pensacola.
SmackDown's 20th Anniversary episode is expected to be the biggest show of the year and getting back one of the most successful tag teams of this generation makes complete sense on paper.
#4. The Rock will be returning for SmackDown's premiere on FOX
After weeks of speculation, it has now been confirmed by the Great One himself. The Rock will be in attendance at the star-studded SmackDown show this coming Friday.
Here's the tweet put out by the 10-time WWE Champion:
It was reported in the build-up to the 20th Anniversary episode of SmackDown that The Rock's status for the show was up in the air owing to issues with the Hollywood megastar's schedule.
The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment has now made himself available for the grand premiere and that is surely going to help the ratings.
We still don't know the nature of the segment he'd be involved in but we're certain it will be electrifying nonetheless.
The SmackDown episode on October 4th will also see the returns of Hulk Hogan, Trish Stratus, Goldberg, Mark Henry, Kurt Angle, Lita, Jerry Lawler, Sting and Ric Flair, among other legendary names.
Kofi Kingston will also defend the WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar at the show.
#5. 205 Live moved to Friday night
The future of 205 Live has been decided, and thankfully for the fans of the highly underrated show, WWE is not pulling the plug on it.
As confirmed by WWE, 205 Live will move to Friday Nights and will air on the WWE Network right after SmackDown goes off the air.
205 Live will be taped at the same arena as SmackDown and will begin on the WWE Network from 10:00 PM ET onwards.
Here's WWE's official statement on the same:
Beginning this Friday, Oct. 4, The Most Exciting Hour on Television is moving to Friday nights. As part of WWE Premiere Week, the home of the Cruiserweights —WWE 205 Live — is moving to Fridays at 10/9 C, streaming live on the award-winning WWE Network.
At the conclusion of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, tune in to WWE Network to see WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak, Oney Lorcan, Humberto Carrillo, Tony Nese and all your favorite Cruiserweights in an hour of action that will leave you breathless. Don't miss WWE 205 Live, Fridays at 10/9 C, streaming live on the award-winning WWE Network.
The word going around backstage is that 205 Live is now considered to be Triple H's show and that the writers of NXT have taken over the creative roles on the cruiserweight show.
While 205 Live has been a failure from a viewership standpoint, the roster includes great talents that deserve to be featured alongside the other major shows on WWE programming.
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